Ambient/Post-Rock/Textural bass playing thread

[ugly_bassplayer]

I feel the same way about the hand problems I developed from The Drugs. Forced me to think differently.

@Funky40 – it seems you’re thinking about arranging and producing. That’s one option. But free improv with a process is another. Some of us do that as well. The trick then is to do a lot, record everything and just select the good bits. @ugly_bassplayer has done this with at least one record, am I right?

That said, it’s also fine to just make music and not release it!

Ok, shameless plug.
Yes, on this album. Extremely time consuming and very laborious work flow. (Because I'm an idiot....)

All of it is only:
Bass -- delay --- granular delay --- reverb -- loop pedal
then portable recorder.

All layers are added by ear, no level adjustments edits or punch ins. So if a track had say 8 layers and layer 3 was "too loud" I couldn't go and "adjust" the take, it was scrapped.

Was heavily inspired by DJ Grandmaster Flash cueing up records. I did the same, but with my bass.

Zero computer except for the mastering that was done by someone else because I was completely burnt out on this project.

 

[Bob_Ross]

^^^in 4 later

 

[Spectrum]

Ok, shameless plug.
Yes, on this album. Extremely time consuming and very laborious work flow. (Because I'm an idiot....)

All of it is only:
Bass -- delay --- granular delay --- reverb -- loop pedal
then portable recorder.

All layers are added by ear, no level adjustments edits or punch ins. So if a track had say 8 layers and layer 3 was "too loud" I couldn't go and "adjust" the take, it was scrapped.

Was heavily inspired by DJ Grandmaster Flash cueing up records. I did the same, but with my bass.

Zero computer except for the mastering that was done by someone else because I was completely burnt out on this project.

Of all the tracks you've posted here that one might be my favorite. I love the atmosphere.

 

[Spectrum]

Also, about the multitrack layering thing: for a long time my only recording device was a Korg SR-1 Sound-on-Sound handheld digital recorder. It's a great device for field recording, with a few decent usable built-in effects and it will record as many layered tracks as you want until the SD card runs out of memory. But if you want to fix or redo an earlier layer you lose every layer since then. And no mixing once you're finished.

I finally got myself a Tascam 8-track DP-3SD for recording and mixing at home. Way easier. The handheld Korg still gets taken out on road trips and stuff.

I have resisted using a DAW so far. One of these days I suppose I'll finally break down and get a sound interface card and a DAW but I avoid using computers if I can avoid it.

 

[dukeorock]

Ok, shameless plug.
Yes, on this album. Extremely time consuming and very laborious work flow. (Because I'm an idiot....)

All of it is only:
Bass -- delay --- granular delay --- reverb -- loop pedal
then portable recorder.

All layers are added by ear, no level adjustments edits or punch ins. So if a track had say 8 layers and layer 3 was "too loud" I couldn't go and "adjust" the take, it was scrapped.

Was heavily inspired by DJ Grandmaster Flash cueing up records. I did the same, but with my bass.

Zero computer except for the mastering that was done by someone else because I was completely burnt out on this project.

I like that!

Also, about the multitrack layering thing: for a long time my only recording device was a Korg SR-1 Sound-on-Sound handheld digital recorder. It's a great device for field recording, with a few decent usable built-in effects and it will record as many layered tracks as you want until the SD card runs out of memory. But if you want to fix or redo an earlier layer you lose every layer since then. And no mixing once you're finished.

I finally got myself a Tascam 8-track DP-3SD for recording and mixing at home. Way easier. The handheld Korg still gets taken out on road trips and stuff.

I have resisted using a DAW so far. One of these days I suppose I'll finally break down and get a sound interface card and a DAW but I avoid using computers if I can avoid it.

I’ve often thought of getting/learning Bitwig or Ableton. Way more affordable than a huge hardware setup and probably more powerful overall. I’ve used Logic for so many years, which I don’t especially enjoy trying to make music on. I like to use it to record all the parts from long jams, then edit that down in Logic to something that sounds like a focused piece of music to me. Once all the elements are in Logic I can add soft synths/samples/perc if I feel anything is missing, but I rarely do that. All that said, I get the temptation to work completely ITB, but I just don’t enjoy it

 

[Funky40]

. But free improv with a process is another. Some of us do that as well.

yes, i do this as well !
Just, the good jamms happen when you was virgin and thought of nothing bad
( ie, setting up the recorder upfront, haha) ( i just hate it so much, it gives me a feel of: now "something" HAS to happen)

Yes, on this album. Extremely time consuming and very laborious work flow. (Because I'm an idiot....)

sounds like the description of any real artist.
yeah dig, it. good inspiration !

 

[monsterthompson]

Fun stuff

 

[JES]

I’ve often thought of getting/learning Bitwig or Ableton. Way more affordable than a huge hardware setup and probably more powerful overall. I’ve used Logic for so many years, which I don’t especially enjoy trying to make music on. I like to use it to record all the parts from long jams, then edit that down in Logic to something that sounds like a focused piece of music to me. Once all the elements are in Logic I can add soft synths/samples/perc if I feel anything is missing, but I rarely do that. All that said, I get the temptation to work completely ITB, but I just don’t enjoy it

I know both Bitwig and Ableton. I find ITB better for

a) mixing stuff, like a tape deck on crack—though in that case, Logic is better in my experience and

b) more cerebral composition, for example, you’ve got a concept and want to play it out, arrange and sequence it.

For improv and in the moment stuff, I find hardware more fun.

At the same time, I have the same struggle as everyone else. Right now it’s with what to pair the Linnstrument with in my instrumental band. The iPad is actually turning out to be promising now that I’ve solved a couple noise issues, but I think hardware would be more fun in the end—so long as it has presets.

Speaking of which, tell us about the Norand Mono, @dukeorock . It’s the first hardware monosynth that’s interested me in awhile.

 

[monsterthompson]

Any of y'all in the market for delays?
I'm looking at blowing out some gear.
Pigtronix Infinity (older big box) w remote
Echolution 2 Deluxe w remote
OBNE Rever (looks like these are out of production and popular on Reverb)
Maybe my Empress Echo System
I've also got a Germ Warfare.

I'll be posting up in the classifieds, but wanted to give this crew a heads up.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Any of y'all in the market for delays?
I'm looking at blowing out some gear.
Pigtronix Infinity (older big box) w remote
Echolution 2 Deluxe w remote
OBNE Rever (looks like these are out of production and popular on Reverb)
Maybe my Empress Echo System
I've also got a Germ Warfare.

I'll be posting up in the classifieds, but wanted to give this crew a heads up.

Oh no....the empress is beyond cool.
(No, I can't buy atm)
I'm sure some will sell easy.

@dukeorock
All DAWS suck equally.

 

[monsterthompson]

the foot bone’s connected to the leg bone…

 

[dukeorock]

Speaking of which, tell us about the Norand Mono, @dukeorock . It’s the first hardware monosynth that’s interested me in awhile.

Same here! Once I saw the first good demo of it I ordered one within the hour. I’ve not been quite so impulsive in awhile. Wait, the GFI Synesthesia I got a couple months ago was pretty impulsive for such a pricey pedal, but thank goodness it’s awesome. Need to hook that up to the program editor soon to see what it can really do. Back to the Norand…

I think it sounds really good. I got it on sale from Perfect Circuit for $735USD and I will say, it doesn’t really look like something that costs that much in some ways. I treat it like I would treat a voice in my eurorack. To get similar results in eurorack would cost a heck of a lot more, so….
Basically, it’s a two oscillator analog synth that is controlled digitally. Does TZFM really well, the filter sounds fantastic for what I like. It has a very nice ADSR that can get really snappy. Awesome for perc. The sequencer does up to 64 steps and has a lot of Elektron vibes. You can lock any parameter on a per step basis. It does a very convincing 303 thing with that squelchy, slidey stuff. You can sequence xox style, Sh-101 style, or use an external keyboard to play notes in live. It does transposition, randomization, rachets, probability. The LFO is very nice and has its own envelope. Lots of pattern and project memory as well. I’ve always kinda wanted a 303, Bass Station afx and SH-101, but not enough to shell out the dough for such specialized and somewhat limited machines. The Norand covers all this ground pretty darn well and then some. Kinda genius little synth, I think. You could a compelling live set with just the Norand and a multi track looper like the Aeros (I’m considering a 1010 BlackBox for this purpose) and a few nice effects and I’m tempted to try it

EDIT! The Gamechanger Light Pedal spring reverb goes great with the Norand, btw. Covers so much cool ground

Oh no....the empress is beyond cool.
(No, I can't buy atm)
I'm sure some will sell easy.

@dukeorock
All DAWS suck equally.

I wouldn’t go that far

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Same here! Once I saw the first good demo of it I ordered one within the hour. I’ve not been quite so impulsive in awhile. Wait, the GFI Synesthesia I got a couple months ago was pretty impulsive for such a pricey pedal, but thank goodness it’s awesome. Need to hook that up to the program editor soon to see what it can really do. Back to the Norand…

I think it sounds really good. I got it on sale from Perfect Circuit for $735USD and I will say, it doesn’t really look like something that costs that much in some ways. I treat it like I would treat a voice in my eurorack. To get similar results in eurorack would cost a heck of a lot more, so….
Basically, it’s a two oscillator analog synth that is controlled digitally. Does TZFM really well, the filter sounds fantastic for what I like. It has a very nice ADSR that can get really snappy. Awesome for perc. The sequencer does up to 64 steps and has a lot of Elektron vibes. You can lock any parameter on a per step basis. It does a very convincing 303 thing with that squelchy, slidey stuff. You can sequence xox style, Sh-101 style, or use an external keyboard to play notes in live. It does transposition, randomization, rachets, probability. The LFO is very nice and has its own envelope. Lots of pattern and project memory as well. I’ve always kinda wanted a 303, Bass Station afx and SH-101, but not enough to shell out the dough for such specialized and somewhat limited machines. The Norand covers all this ground pretty darn well and then some. Kinda genius little synth, I think. You could a compelling live set with just the Norand and a multi track looper like the Aeros (I’m considering a 1010 BlackBox for this purpose) and a few nice effects and I’m tempted to try it

EDIT! The Gamechanger Light Pedal spring reverb goes great with the Norand, btw. Covers so much cool ground



I wouldn’t go that far

Edit....
Agreed ITB is ....for me....the ultimate creativity killer.
Like Word but with wave forms
Zzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

[dukeorock]

For real, if you want a "creative" DAW Ableton is extremely powerful.

I haven't tried Bitwig though (made by ex Ableton dudes I believe.)

From what I read that was the type of DAW you where looking for or am I misremembering?!?!
Only thing with Live is the interface is really weird when coming from Logic, Cubase and such.
And they suck @$$ with the overpriced "updated" versions.

For now I much prefer making music with hardware and editing/mixing in Logic. But I’ve often wondered about Ableton or BitWig, leaning toward BitWig. Just not sure I have enough walls to punch learning a new DAW when there’s so much left to explore in hardware.

 

[JES]

I like Bitwig better than Ableton, and I’ve used Live since 1.5. It doesn’t have the age or user community but if you are into modular, it just makes sense. The one big downside is the controller mapping / scripting.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

For now I much prefer making music with hardware and editing/mixing in Logic. But I’ve often wondered about Ableton or BitWig, leaning toward BitWig. Just not sure I have enough walls to punch learning a new DAW when there’s so much left to explore in hardware.

Edited original post.....
Yeah I agree 100%, learning a new DAW sux @%#%^#.
Guess how many times I've "tried" learning Reaper because I'm sick of some of the crap Ableton is trying to pull.
That and the endless pit of loosing ones mind and time.....pluggins.
Nuff said.

I guess I'll be the resident caveman gutter punk something something.....

 

[JES]

OMG. Thanks. I think I will order one. I immediately thought “instant improv set with effects. Surprised you aren’t pairing with the the Octatrack.
Edit: also thinking about a Blackbox.

Same here! Once I saw the first good demo of it I ordered one within the hour. I’ve not been quite so impulsive in awhile. Wait, the GFI Synesthesia I got a couple months ago was pretty impulsive for such a pricey pedal, but thank goodness it’s awesome. Need to hook that up to the program editor soon to see what it can really do. Back to the Norand…

I think it sounds really good. I got it on sale from Perfect Circuit for $735USD and I will say, it doesn’t really look like something that costs that much in some ways. I treat it like I would treat a voice in my eurorack. To get similar results in eurorack would cost a heck of a lot more, so….
Basically, it’s a two oscillator analog synth that is controlled digitally. Does TZFM really well, the filter sounds fantastic for what I like. It has a very nice ADSR that can get really snappy. Awesome for perc. The sequencer does up to 64 steps and has a lot of Elektron vibes. You can lock any parameter on a per step basis. It does a very convincing 303 thing with that squelchy, slidey stuff. You can sequence xox style, Sh-101 style, or use an external keyboard to play notes in live. It does transposition, randomization, rachets, probability. The LFO is very nice and has its own envelope. Lots of pattern and project memory as well. I’ve always kinda wanted a 303, Bass Station afx and SH-101, but not enough to shell out the dough for such specialized and somewhat limited machines. The Norand covers all this ground pretty darn well and then some. Kinda genius little synth, I think. You could a compelling live set with just the Norand and a multi track looper like the Aeros (I’m considering a 1010 BlackBox for this purpose) and a few nice effects and I’m tempted to try it

EDIT! The Gamechanger Light Pedal spring reverb goes great with the Norand, btw. Covers so much cool ground



I wouldn’t go that far

 

[monsterthompson]

Mission Accomplished
I have the Bloom doing fractal sequencing on both channels.

One sequence is going to the Black VCO, which routes externally to the Parabellum drive, comes back in with a wet/dry mix and goes into the VCF. That voice goes into the rack’s Erica Delay and Noise Engineering Reverb.

The second sequence is going to the Chainsaw VCO, into a VCF.

Both are routed to the Jumble Henge which has filters so the baseline from the chainsaw sounds like it’s mono center and lower/back in the mix, while the melody with delay and reverb is stereo and higher/forward.

The stereo out from the rack goes to the mixer, with the OTO reverb on the aux for a hint of 3D space.

 

[Funky40]

and has a lot of Elektron vibes. You can lock any parameter on a per step basis.

Nooo, do not tell such things here........./ too dangerous for some people !

 

[Funky40]

Agreed ITB is ....for me....the ultimate creativity killer.

thanks ! i thought i´m alone !
at least with DAW.